Energy-Smart Details

Building or remodeling a home to be more energy efficient than the average home doesn’t necessarily have to cost more money, but it does take careful planning and smart construction details. Browse through this collection of articles to get a better understanding of what makes high-performance homes work.

Preventing Ice Dams
Ice dams are a sign of an inefficient house
Window Shading
These energy smart details will help you build water-tight shading roofs for windows.
Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations
Use less concrete and save on labor with this alternative method for building an energy-efficient foundation for a house in a cold climate.
Airtight Drywall
These energy-smart details will help you build a tight house with ordinary drywall, caulk, and gaskets.
Flashing Windows in Rain-Screen Walls
Foam sheathing and furring strips make the wall thicker; Make sure the sill can drain and the head is tight.
Basement Insulation Retrofits
When finishing a basement, it pays to consider moisture management, air sealing, and insulation.
Six Proven Ways to Build Energy-Smart Walls
Whether you're building new or remodeling, use these alternative framing and insulating techniques to make your home more comfortable, energy efficient, and durable than a code-built house.

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